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California homes face landscaping changes under 'Zone 0' fire rules

California homes face landscaping changes under 'Zone 0' fire rules

California may adopt "Zone 0" rules that could impact property owners statewide. The changes would be phased in over five years.

Super El Niño Expected to Boost Ski Season in U.S. Mountains

Super El Niño Expected to Boost Ski Season in U.S. Mountains

A Super El Niño weather system is forecasted to impact the upcoming winter season, potentially creating ideal conditions for a robust ski season in the mountains. This weather phenomenon, characterized by warmer-than-average sea surface temperatures in the Pacific Ocean, often leads to increased precipitation and snowfall in certain regions. The report highlights the excitement among winter sports enthusiasts as they prepare for what could be a highly favorable season for skiing and snowboarding. The announcement was made during a segment featuring Land Park Ski & Sports, a local business in Land Park, California, which is gearing up to meet the anticipated demand for winter sports equipment.

Meta stock battered by threat that is hurting the social media giant

Meta stock battered by threat that is hurting the social media giant

If Meta's court loss from two weeks ago in New Mexico left the company's shareholders shaken, the court battle that is just beginning in California could turn out to be an existential crisis for the social media giant. Meta shares closed trading down 3.54% Monday, August 17, as markets seemed to ...

Representative Pete Aguilar Secures $1.2 Million Federal Grant for Fontana Affordable Housing Project

Representative Pete Aguilar Secures $1.2 Million Federal Grant for Fontana Affordable Housing Project

Representative Pete Aguilar, a California Democrat, has secured a $1.2 million federal grant from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) for an affordable housing project in Fontana. This funding is designated to support the continued development and expansion of the Aldea Apartments. The first phase of this project, located at 15186 Foothill Blvd., already comprises 78 units, with 70 specifically allocated for affordable housing for working families and individuals, and the remaining eight units reserved for homeless individuals. According to a statement from the city, the grant will be utilized to help finance and entitle property necessary for the project's expansion. Representative Aguilar emphasized the importance of providing safe and affordable homes, particularly for families facing economic hardship, stating that upgrading and expanding the Aldea Apartments offers a stable, low-cost living option for those at risk of homelessness. The second phase of the project is planned to i...

Super El Niño Forecast Predicts Record-Breaking Snowfall in California

Super El Niño Forecast Predicts Record-Breaking Snowfall in California

A developing 'super El Niño' is expected to bring record-breaking snowfall to California and other parts of the Southwest U.S. during the 2026–2027 winter season, according to OpenSnow's Winter Forecast Preview. Meteorologist Alan Smith highlighted that this strong El Niño pattern is shaping an active southern storm track, favoring above-average precipitation across the West Coast, Southwest, and other regions. The Central Sierra, including popular destinations like Mammoth Mountain and China Peak, is projected to see the highest snow accumulations. While Northern California and the Tahoe region may experience warmer-than-average conditions, the overall outlook suggests California could become a premier snow destination this winter. The heaviest storm cycles are anticipated to occur after the new year. (Source time: 2026-08-16 23:13:46 GMT)

Meta Faces Federal Trial Over Youth Mental Health Crisis, Potential $1.4 Trillion in Damages

Meta Faces Federal Trial Over Youth Mental Health Crisis, Potential $1.4 Trillion in Damages

Meta is heading to a federal trial in Oakland, California, facing accusations from multiple states that its platforms, Facebook and Instagram, contribute to the youth mental health crisis. The lawsuit alleges that Meta knowingly designed features to addict children and collected data on minors under 13 without parental consent, violating federal law. Four states—California, Colorado, Kentucky, and New Jersey—are leading this initial trial, with 25 other states expected to pursue similar cases later. The potential financial damages could theoretically reach $1.4 trillion, a figure close to Meta's entire market capitalization. Meta disputes these allegations, stating its commitment to supporting young people and highlighting its efforts to implement safety tools. This trial follows two previous cases this year where Meta lost over harms to children and teens, contributing to a reported profit decline and $2.4 billion in legal expenses.

Los Padres National Forest Implements Extensive Closure Due to Timber Fire

Los Padres National Forest Implements Extensive Closure Due to Timber Fire

The Los Padres National Forest, specifically its Monterey Ranger District, has issued a comprehensive forest order, Number 05-07-51-26-08, enacting an area, road, and trail closure in response to the Timber Fire. Effective August 16, 2026, this order prohibits public access to designated National Forest System lands, roads, and trails within the Timber Fire Closure Area. The closure is mandated under 16 U.S.C. § 551 and 36 C.F.R. § 261.50(a) and (b) to ensure public safety. The prohibited acts include going into or being upon any National Forest System lands, roads, or trails within the specified closure zone, which is detailed in Exhibits A, C, and D of the order and shown on Exhibit B. The closure will remain in effect until the Timber Fire is officially declared out. Exemptions to this order include federal, state, or local officers, members of organized rescue or firefighting forces performing official duties, and owners, lessees, or residents of private land within the closure area, provided the area ...

Super El Niño Expected to Amplify Global Weather Extremes

Super El Niño Expected to Amplify Global Weather Extremes

A record-breaking Super El Niño is underway, with Pacific Ocean sea surface temperatures averaging 2.7°C (4.9°F) above normal as of early June 2026, according to the Climate Prediction Center and ClimateBrink. These temperatures are forecast to peak at nearly 4°C (7°F) above average by November. This phenomenon is expected to disrupt global weather patterns, leading to warmer and wetter conditions in some regions and drier, more fire-prone conditions in others. In the U.S., New England is likely to experience a warmer and wetter winter with less snow, while the Pacific Northwest may face a drier winter, extending wildfire risks. Meanwhile, California could see an increase in atmospheric rivers, raising concerns about flooding and landslides. Globally, regions like Indonesia and Australia may face drought and wildfire risks, while parts of South America could experience significant flooding.

On This Day: Shauna Gambill's Unique Place in California Pageant History

On This Day: Shauna Gambill's Unique Place in California Pageant History

Shauna Gambill holds a distinctive place in the history of California beauty pageants, marked by her unparalleled achievement of securing both the ...

Good Samaritan Shot During Struggle in TJ Maxx Parking Lot in Alameda

Good Samaritan Shot During Struggle in TJ Maxx Parking Lot in Alameda

A good Samaritan was shot in the leg while attempting to intervene in a struggle between a suspect and a victim in the parking lot of a TJ Maxx store in Alameda, California. The incident unfolded around 1:15 p.m. in the South Shore Shopping Center. According to a statement from the Alameda Police Department, the suspect initially approached an individual in the parking lot and demanded property. When the intended victim refused to comply with the demand, a physical altercation began between the two. The good Samaritan, observing the unfolding struggle, made the decision to step in and assist the victim. During the ensuing confrontation involving all three individuals, a single shot was fired, and the bullet struck the good Samaritan in the leg. The police department's report did not specify the ownership of the firearm involved in the shooting, leaving it unclear whether the gun belonged to the suspect, the victim, or the good Samaritan. The good Samaritan sustained non-life-threatening injuries as a resul...

Wind Energy Expands Across U.S., Led by Texas and Oklahoma

Wind Energy Expands Across U.S., Led by Texas and Oklahoma

Wind energy continues to grow in the United States, with Texas leading as the state with the most operational wind turbines. In 2025, wind power accounted for 10.5% of the nation's total net electricity generation. Oklahoma has also made significant strides, with the Traverse Wind Energy Center, featuring 356 turbines and a capacity of 999 MW, becoming the state's largest wind farm. California, while historically a leader in wind energy, now lags behind Great Plains states like Iowa and Oklahoma due to their stronger winds and open landscapes. Analysts predict steady growth in both onshore and offshore wind energy, contributing to the decline of coal and reducing reliance on natural gas.

Owens Lake Dust Pollution Reduced by 99.4% After Decades of Mitigation

Owens Lake Dust Pollution Reduced by 99.4% After Decades of Mitigation

Owens Lake, located in Inyo County, California, became the largest source of PM10 particulate pollution in the U.S. after Los Angeles diverted its water supply in 1913. The lake, once spanning 110 square miles, dried up by 1926, exposing an alkali playa that emitted harmful dust containing arsenic and other toxic elements. In 1998, Los Angeles was legally mandated to implement dust control measures, including shallow flooding, vegetation management, and gravel cover. By 2023, these efforts reduced dust emissions from 62,377 tons in 2000 to just 355 tons annually, marking a 99.4% decrease. The site has also become a critical habitat for over 100,000 shorebirds annually, despite its primary purpose as a dust suppression system (source: WorldAtlas, 2026-08-16).